WORK to resolve the issues relating to the partially-collapsed Old Courthouse building in Cockermouth will be managed by a secondee from Sellafield, the council has said.

Meanwhile, a contractor is being sought to undertake the repair work.

In an update on social media, Cockermouth Emergency Rescue Group (CERG) wrote that agencies - including Cumberland Council, Historic England, Natural England and the Environment Agency - continue to work together 'with the aim of protecting public safety'.

A Cumberland Council statement said: "Now that we have informed the owner that we’re taking on the works needed on the Old Courthouse building, work has been underway to procure a contractor, do the necessary pre-work investigations and secure permits from agencies to allow access into the watercourse.

"We have secured dedicated project management support to oversee the works and the tender for the main contractor."

The project management is being provided by a secondee from Sellafield, the post said.

The Grade-II listed building partially collapsed last year, causing a period of upheaval for the town. Cumberland Council has since sought specialist legal advice on the building's repair.

Cumberland Council has been approached for comment.